Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

[Nightburst]

Hi guys, I was wondering which of the 2 types is the better one? Or should I say, 'more desirable'.
I've always liked this model and it's a pity they discontinued it.
There's hardly any left in shops and almost none on ebay or 2nd hand for sale.
This leads me to believe that it's a real gem. Played a SZ in a shop a few years ago and I remember it being very heavy!

 

[skyydogg01]

Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

I like the SZ better, the SZR has that extended lower bout that just looks weird to me. Havent played one so I can't tell you. My SZ320 is my number one!!

 

[Barron1]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

Ibanez SZ all the way. Check my profile pic and you'll see my blue one. The SZR was supposed to be its replacement but they sucked. They made them 24.75 scale instead of 25 of the SZ, along with a few more changes. Also the SZ was made in Korea while the SZR was made in China. Ibanez f'd up big time by discontinuing the SZ. In my opinion it was their best model at the time.

 

[Lucid_Lunatic]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

I had an SZ520 and an SZR520. The SZR had a Gibson style set neck and the SZ had a carved neck heel like a neck through. The SZR also had a shorter headstock.

Other than that, they are pretty close to the same.

 

[Diego]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

The SZR had a shorter scale, it looked ugly, it had tacky finish options and dumb inlays and it came with neodymium pickups or whatever it is,
instead of the excellent pickups the SZ series had, which were based on the '59 and the Distortion.

The SZR was a massive backwards step compared to the SZ and I have no clue why they discontinued it.
I have a black SZ320 and it's a fantastic guitar, a complete steal for it's price.
Recorded some tracks today at a studio with my SZ and a cranked Peavey 6505+.
It killed the studio's Gibson SG and in fact we re-did all the tracks because it sounds so muscular and thick.
Bought it used a year ago, keep checking eBay! They do pop up from time to time.

 

[Barron1]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

The SZR had a shorter scale, it looked ugly, it had tacky finish options and dumb inlays and it came with neodymium pickups or whatever it is,
instead of the excellent pickups the SZ series had, which were based on the '59 and the Distortion.

The SZR was a massive backwards step compared to the SZ and I have no clue why they discontinued it.
I have a black SZ320 and it's a fantastic guitar, a complete steal for it's price.
Recorded some tracks today at a studio with my SZ and a cranked Peavey 6505+.
It killed the studio's Gibson SG and in fact we re-did all the tracks because it sounds so muscular and thick.
Bought it used a year ago, keep checking eBay! They do pop up from time to time.

Hell yeah. I'm never getting rid of mine.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

When I look at this particular model I can't help but think they stepped into Gibson territory with the specs: Mahogany, set neck that isn't thin, normal frets... so the shorter scale and bigger heel would definitely add to that vibe? Thats not a bad thing in my book, why do you guys name it as a disadvantage?

Also, made in China or Korea... is there really a big difference?

I don't care about electronics or pickups, it's a budget guitar so I am prepared already to rip everything out and replace it with higher grade stuff.
Got a Jazzn/C5 set ready for action.

Just want to know what to pay attention to as I have the opportunity to try out both models.

 

[Barron1]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

When I look at this particular model I can't help but think they stepped into Gibson territory with the specs: Mahogany, set neck that isn't thin, normal frets... so the shorter scale and bigger heel would definitely add to that vibe? Thats not a bad thing in my book, why do you guys name it as a disadvantage?

Also, made in China or Korea... is there really a big difference?

I don't care about electronics or pickups, it's a budget guitar so I am prepared already to rip everything out and replace it with higher grade stuff.
Got a Jazzn/C5 set ready for action.

Just want to know what to pay attention to as I have the opportunity to try out both models.

Nothing against made in China guitars, I own several. But I have found that quality control with made in China is either hit or miss. Made in Korea has a more consistent quality. Also with the SZ the stock pickups are good enough to keep in if you choose. I did switch out the pots to cts, thats a good way to start.

And what to expect is the feel of a double cut les paul.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

The SZR had a shorter scale, it looked ugly, it had tacky finish options and dumb inlays and it came with neodymium pickups or whatever it is,
instead of the excellent pickups the SZ series had, which were based on the '59 and the Distortion.

The SZR was a massive backwards step compared to the SZ and I have no clue why they discontinued it.
I have a black SZ320 and it's a fantastic guitar, a complete steal for it's price.
Recorded some tracks today at a studio with my SZ and a cranked Peavey 6505+.
It killed the studio's Gibson SG and in fact we re-did all the tracks because it sounds so muscular and thick.
Bought it used a year ago, keep checking eBay! They do pop up from time to time.

Please elaborate why you don't like the shorter scale? I don't mind that at all, in fact I think its more suited to this type of guitar.
Yes a black SZ is a very nice guitar indeed but it won't kill my SG, no way. :fingersx:

 

[Diego]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

Nothing against the shorter scale here, actually. I was being descriptive.
Well, on that point alone I was. The rest, not so much.

I tried to like the SZRs, but from the looks they were already wrong.
They looked like a SZ that melted in the oven or something.
Then there was the weird pickups, the repulsive vine inlays and the weird lower horn.

Didn't like 'em. I ended up with a SZ for, I believe, many good reasons.

 

[Barron1]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

Nothing against the shorter scale here, actually. I was being descriptive.
Well, on that point alone I was. The rest, not so much.

I tried to like the SZRs, but from the looks they were already wrong.
They looked like a SZ that melted in the oven or something.
Then there was the weird pickups, the repulsive vine inlays and the weird lower horn.

Didn't like 'em. I ended up with a SZ for, I believe, many good reasons.

I agree, the SZR is just not as good-sound wise and playability. Ibanez should have just left well enough alone with the SZ.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

Nothing against the shorter scale here, actually. I was being descriptive.
Well, on that point alone I was. The rest, not so much.

I tried to like the SZRs, but from the looks they were already wrong.
They looked like a SZ that melted in the oven or something.
Then there was the weird pickups, the repulsive vine inlays and the weird lower horn.

Didn't like 'em. I ended up with a SZ for, I believe, many good reasons.

My bad, I misread your post!
If the szr turns out to have a vine inlay it's a deal breaker for me too. I'll definately look at the body shapes and the lower horn, I didn't notice anything weird about it on pictures I've seen?
Maybe I'll end up with the SZ for the same reasons as you...

Thanks for the input Diego!

 

[Mononoaware]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

I own an sz320 as well, and like it quite a bit. The neck and smooth neck heel is a thing of beauty. Solid guitar, and although aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder, I have to agree that the SZRs look a little lopsided by comparison.

The SZ has non-standard scale, IIRC -- something like 25.1". Good for those who want something a bit looser than a Fender, but still like a bit of snap. If you find a good one used, go for it.

 

[Diego]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

My bad, I misread your post!
If the szr turns out to have a vine inlay it's a deal breaker for me too. I'll definately look at the body shapes and the lower horn, I didn't notice anything weird about it on pictures I've seen?
Maybe I'll end up with the SZ for the same reasons as you...

Thanks for the input Diego!

You know, I liked the offset horns in the SZ. The lower one is shorter obviously. They flow in the shape of the guitar.

The SZR, like many double cuts out there, has symmetrical horns. But for some reason it looks wrong on it. I'm not really sure why.

Compare them side by side, you'll see what I'm into.

 

[adamlee011]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

I know of a mint sz 520 qm with autumn burst finish and flame inlay on 12th fret. 3 0 0$ waterbury CT. Nolan brothers music. Mark Nolan on face book. It's the first model so ibanez pups not Duncan. Great guitar though.I have one of each and don't dislike the old pups.

 

[bloodswords]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

I own both:

Nothing too different in terms of feel. If you are affected by looks, the SZ sports a more desirable offset outline. The SZR was arguably regurgitating the Ghostrider design:

 

[LeeBones]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

I have 1 SZ520 and 2 SZR520. My broblem is I would like to swap the pups but the 12 pole 3-way switch has me confused. Any ideas on where to look online to get an idea as to why there are 12 poles and what they are for?

 

[felix1985]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

I've got an sz720. Great guitar. It's currently for sale though.


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[felix1985]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

What would an Sz720fm be worth with original hsc? I'd give it a 9/10 condition. I've got it listed on craigslist for $350 but I have had no interest.


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[ErikH]

Re: Ibanez SZ vs SZR?

What would an Sz720fm be worth with original hsc? I'd give it a 9/10 condition. I've got it listed on craigslist for $350 but I have had no interest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What color? If it's the trans gray, there are tons of those so the price may be a bit high. I had the blackberry sunburst and got $320 for it. Great guitars but I had to sadly let it go to help pay for car repairs. I didn't get much interest in CL either. Went to eBay and it sold easily.